The Chew personality Evette Rios in town

By Maddy Marr

Created 04/16/2013 - 15:59

To revamp center

The Chew’s design expert, Evette Rios, has revamped many rooms over her career, but some are closer to her heart than others. The Brooklyn native’s most recent project is remodeling a relaxation room at La Liga Contra El Cancer in Miami. The nonprofit organization is made up of doctors who volunteer their services to cancer patients at low or no cost. “I thought it was important to create a good environment for people during what could be a big health crisis for them,” said Rios, who will be in town Friday for a private dedication ceremony. “ I don’t think there’s anyone who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way. It’s almost like an epidemic at this point.” Rios also feels close to Miami, where she spent some time working on TLC’s now defunct DIY renovation show In A Fix. The big time foodie, who lived in Miami Beach, remembered spending some quality meal time at Valentino Sul Mare Southern Italian restaurant. “I love places where you can sit by the beach and eat,” said Rios, who lives in NYC, where the ABC daytime show is taped. “I don’t think there are as many as there should be, actually.” Though leaning toward vegetarianism, Rios doesn’t give up the chance to eat meat, especially at events like SoBe Wine & Food Fest’s Burger Bash, hosted by her longtime buddy Rachael Ray. “So amazing but expensive!” Rios said of the famed fest. “I don’t know how people afford that.”